Malaysia against ISIS as it does no justice to Islam

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia was concerned with the conflict in Iraq and Syria, as well as the involvement of militant activities as it affected the stability of those countries.

He said Malaysia would work together with the international community to combat the militant organisation and its influence.

"We will work together with the large community as Isis does not represent Islam. Isis is a misnomer. It does not do justice to Islam," he said in a joint press conference with his Australian counterpart, Tony Abbott at the Bangunan Perdana Putra here today.

Abbott is on a one-day official visit to Malaysia on Saturday to discuss bilateral issues including the vanished Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH370, the alleged downing of MAS Flight MH17 in the Eastern Ukraine and trade arrangement.

In supporting Malaysia's firm stand, Abbott praised Najib's announcement as the organisation not only posed a threat to the people of Iraq and Syria but to the people of the world.

"I want to thank Prime Minister Najib for his strong stand (against Isis)...as he said Isis was against God, against Islam and against (the) common community," he said.

He said there was a need for the global community to tackle the organisation on many different levels to eradicate its influence as "a death cult".

Putrajaya considered Isis as a terrorist organisation, said Wisma Putra last week.

Between January and June this year, Malaysian police arrested 19 people, including two women for involvement in militant activities, which could be related to Isis.

The police also revealed that at least 50 Malaysians are currently believed to be in Syria, fighting alongside Isis forces.